Seed hopper and routing structure for varying material delivery to row units

Abstract

Left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of a seeding machine provide an operator access area between the hoppers. A third hopper located forwardly of and between the two main hoppers has a capacity less than that of each of the main hoppers for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity. In one embodiment, first and second hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure, and valve structure selects one or the other of the first and second hoppers for delivery of the material. The valve structure can be operated remotely and can be map based. Alternatviely, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Description

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AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a seeding implement with a hopper and routing structure that allows for planting two or more seed hybrids. The structure also allows for rerouting or blocking of material delivery to row units to most efficiently utilize hopper capacity, optimize control of seed variety, refuge percentage, and location, and row spacing for different seeding materials and field conditions. The hopper structure accommodates up to three different seeding materials and has better access and weight distribution characteristics than many previously available hopper structures. The hopper structure also allows for changes in seed hose routing and optimizes use of hopper capacity. The seeding implement includes a transversely extending main frame with left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of the machine to provide an operator access area between the hoppers. The third hopper is conveniently located adjacent the forward end of the operator access areas and is ideal for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity and are particularly useful for planting male-female seed corn or providing a desired pattern of refuge crop. The hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure and a source of air upstream of the hoppers. Valve structure selects one or the other of the hoppers for delivery of the material. The patent text provides various configurations for the valve structure to allow for efficient use of the hopper capacity.

Problems solved by technology

This patent discusses the technical problem of current seeding implements being unable to effectively deliver seeds that have different characteristics (such as variations in growth habit) without compromising their performance. Additionally, there are challenges related to planting genetically modified seeds alongside traditional non-modified ones to ensure compliance with regulations. There is also a need to quickly adjust the ratio of different types of seeds based upon factors like weather conditions or disease outbreaks. However, existing methods require significant amounts of labor and resources to setup properly, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency.

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